Bank ABC, the Bahrain-based international lender, has appointed Paul Jennings as its Group Chief Executive Officer with effect from 5 August 2026. The appointment has been approved by the Board of Directors and by the Central Bank of Bahrain, the bank said.
Jennings joins from British Arab Commercial Bank in London, where he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Brendon Hopkins, who has been Acting Group CEO since 1 February 2026 and will continue with Bank ABC in an advisory capacity following the handover.
FOUR DECADES OF INTERNATIONAL BANKING
Jennings brings four decades of international banking experience to the role, including senior leadership roles across the UK, Europe and within Bank ABC's own Group. Before his current position at British Arab Commercial Bank, he was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ABC International Bank plc, the group's London-based subsidiary, where the bank said he drove growth and strengthened governance frameworks.
“We are pleased to appoint Paul as Group Chief Executive Officer,” said Chairman H.E. Naji Belgasem, adding that Jennings is well positioned to lead Bank ABC through its next phase of growth.
“I am honoured by the Board's confidence and pleased to be appointed as Bank ABC's Group Chief Executive Officer,” Jennings said.
SUCCESSION FROM ACTING CEO
The appointment will end a period of interim leadership that began on 1 February 2026, when Hopkins became Acting Group CEO.
The bank said Hopkins will move to an advisory capacity to ensure continuity during the changeover.
The bank confirmed the appointment in a press release issued on 12 May 2026 through its corporate communications channels.
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